Jayant Narlikar, a distinguished astrophysicist and author, passed away in Pune on Tuesday at the age of 86, as confirmed by the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics.

According to reports, he had recently undergone hip surgery.

Narlikar was born in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and pursued his education in science at Banaras Hindu University before completing his Mathematics Tripos at the University of Cambridge.

He served as a professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, leading the theoretical astrophysics group.

Alongside British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle, he is known for formulating the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity.

In 1988, he established the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Pune, where he continued to serve as director until his retirement in 2003, later becoming an emeritus professor.

Narlikar was also an accomplished writer, penning science fiction in English, Marathi, and Hindi.

His accolades include the Padma Vibhushan in 2004, Maharashtra Bhushan in 2010, and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2014.

He is survived by his daughters Geeta, Girija, and Leelavati.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked that Narlikar significantly contributed to the dissemination of scientific knowledge through his literary works.

He expressed sorrow over the loss of a remarkable scientist and writer, stating that Narlikar's last rites would be conducted with state honors.

S Somanath, former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, praised Narlikar as a visionary astrophysicist and science communicator who inspired many with his popular writings.